Fixing A Murray Mower That Was Found At The Dump

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Thanks for watching. This Murray mower was saved from the dump, but the reason why it was there will surprise you.

[@collectingonthecheap56353]

Just love seeing these come back to life. Waste not, want not.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed!

[@christophermarshall5765]

I agree.

[@fnmlewis89]

Waste naught, want naught

[@mjg263]

I was working on an old Snapper mower for my neighbor. It had a Briggs Quantum that was covered in sludge, when I removed the flywheel to find the leak I found that Briggs had forgotten to install the breather crossover pipe way back in 1996! Fortunately I had a spare one and I finished restoring the old Snapper. Works like new!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow nice work

[@Coonotafoo]

It's almost a shame that whoever the previous owner of this mower was didn't discover your videos before making the repair. But their loss is your gain!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right!

[@4TheMotorist]

Great video dude. As you properly are aware, we are in a "throw away society". Some times its just cheaper to throw out and buy a new one whether its a mower or a clothes dryer. I often find lawn mowers on scrap heaps (we can't just scab items from our local dumps like we did back in the day) i found a 4 stroke like this one last year, mine was blue in color and it had a repair tag on it from a mower shop that read "engine damage due to incorrect fuel" so the owner just chucked it out. I found it, replaced the plug, new fuel and just a basic clean and pulled the cord and it worked like a charm and still is. I gave it away to a lady who couldn't afford to buy a lawn mower. I believe the mower shop just could not be bothered trying to repair it so told the customer "its dead, buy a new one" shame really, we chuck so much into land fill. I love to tinker with this kind of stuff on a Saturday morning. G'day from Down under Australia.

[@drussell_]

It is pretty much *_never_*_ cheaper,_ it's just *_easier._* 🙄

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hello 4TheMotorist from Australia and thank you for the great comment

[@darreng745]

They told her that because they got to sell a new mower which was worth more to them than a simple repair, that is the downside of the throw away society the skills that are needed to do repairs are atrophifying because we don't have mechanics we have technicians who cannot function without their laptops.

[@Bayan1905]

Two years I went to the local dump and spotted an old reel mower that someone had dropped off. It was an older one that I looked up and was from the 1960's when I Googled it. The blade needed a good sharpening and I took off the wheels and greased all the fittings and now it runs and cuts great. It never ceases to amaze me the stuff people throw away.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very good work saving from the dump and yes it Is quite amazing.

[@ebayerr]

Now and again I will see vacuum cleaners on the curb. When I get them home the only problem they usually have is that the bag or container will be completely full. I replace the bag or empty the container and they're good to go.

[@watermanone7567]

Good video. I had a customer give a new mower away after trying it for a few months because he said it was ruining his grass. I got the mower to check out and found the blade was upside down from the store it was purchased from. Runs great now and the new owner is very happy.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice job!

[@robwright4398]

I have a free riding mower that someone put one of the blades on upside down.

[@lt200420]

I went and bought a can of WD-40 brand White Lithium spray for my mower wheels (and door hinges) after HGs recommendation and watching a couple dozen of these videos and I couldn't be happier. My mower wasn't hard to push but after spraying in the wheel/sleeve and onto axle its easily twice as easy to push.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, thank you for the comment Logan Todd

[@MiguelHernandez-mq5dg]

Good morning everyone

[@HomeGaragechannel]

morning

[@CiscoWes]

Good morning!

[@numberone7674]

I have pretty much the same exact mower. Its 8 years old and still going. It has always started and besides from maintenance I haven't had to do anything to it. I'm glad you were able to save this one.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too, thank you Number One

[@lrayvick]

I was recently given one exactly like this because it would not start. PO had tried to clean the carb and lost some of the parts. I put a new carb on it with a new primer bulb. Now it starts reluctantly with about 5 pulls. Next is to adjust the valves. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes, I would do the same. thank you Ray Vick

[@MrTruckerf]

Interesting! It must matter where you are. Around here (rural Midwest) when a mower is tossed it is junk. Broken deck, worn out pistons, scored cylinders, well, you get the idea.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it must be

[@damarapoledna3636]

Back in 03 I found an abandoned one year old Craftsman 6.5 hp walk behind. It was still clean and undamaged in appearance, but I couldn't pull start it. Took it home and after a quick inspection, discovered the cable for the blade brake was broken. Easy repair and I used that mower for years afterward.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice fix!

[@Nukemann64]

Yes I have forgotten parts before. I was working on a weedeater featherlite blower, and after I got it reassembled, I realized I forgot the long metal tube that acts as a separator in the engine. It had fallen out and rolled under my workbench lol! Couldn't for the life of me figure out why the engine wouldn't turn over. After about 30 mins of troubleshooting, i finally found the metal tube. Fun times! Great video as usual IHG!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Jacob Feather!

[@quantumleap359]

Great video. Nice mower, it's a shame the previous owner didn't have the right person working on it. You were very respectful of the person who had made the mistakes you found. Good luck.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Quantum Leap, I tried

[@williamcarl4200]

Great looking out by everyone involved. Great feeling to restart them and send them back out, isn't it?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes it is and I agree, everyone involved helped make it possible !

[@scottjohnson5449]

nice!!!! looks like a dogo had some fun on the red plastic knobs on the push bar...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I think you're right!

[@trekgod3]

My 1st lawnmower as a home owner was a Murray lawnmower from Wal-Mart with a Briggs and Stratton engine. It lasted like 15 years until the deck rusted out. Zero issues with the engine

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for sharing that

[@Just1American1966]

Similar story here. Bought mine in 1991. First oil change in 2003. Handle broke in 2004. Clamped it back together and soldiered on. Broke again in 2006 (different spot.) Already had acquired another mower as my wife and I sometimes mowed together. Gave the old one to a new neighbor when he moved in. Engine still ran like a top.

[@curbArlecchino]

I have this exact same mower I think I bought it in the summer of 2017. I’ve had to replace the carburetor twice probably because of charcoal coming out of the gas cap though I tried to clean the main jet first. I have the original blade which has hit stones and been bent on roots, but I’ve hammered it back in shape, sharpened and re-balanced it. This is a nice mower with a lot of power.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the info!

[@h418lfc]

I'm actually glad some people do this, i aquired a self propelled mower from a scrap skip, i serviced it and its now being used on its second commercial grass cutting season with no issues at all. Great easy projects these mowers.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice save!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Sure I've had parts left over and had to 're-lick my calf' as the old saying goes, but when I saw the 'Z' bend I knew it was off the fuel system somewhere, but the governor rod was a new one on me. GOOD fix and that mower was way too good to scrap. Sweetie tried the Stihl and came back in and said it wouldn't work. I checked the battery and everything but after pressing the safety and folding the bail, off it went. She was folding THEN pressing. After that she loved having NO pull starting. I need to set the mower down one notch and the cutting will be right. Hardly any in the bag but it is a mulching blade. That might be remedied in the future. Ran about 30 minutes on one bar of discharge but not HIGH grass either. Will keep you up to date but I used the old 85 Snapper to trim with. They are what they are. Keep on fixing and I'll keep on watching. Blessings!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work, I'm sure I might have made the same mistake too, press then fold got it!

[@robertclarkguitar]

I found a Troybuilt TB110 on road across street. I watched your video about the carb. It took 10 minutes to pull and clean and put back on. A little bit of oil came from the carb bottom of air cleaner but it stopped and never leaked again. So I think while they let it sit for however long it was tipped. The mower looked new but sat out in their back yard under a shed roof for what looks like a year or so. I cleaned it up and it looks brand new. It has cut the grass 5 times now and I've no money in it. Hahah. This is so awesome I now want to do this for side business. Thanks. I have a weedeater as well. They threw out. Troy built as well. The 4 stroke type but it is dirty. No fuel in it and the next time i get a minute ill try it out. It's likely going to be needing a diaphragm I'm sure.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, and yes there's good opportunity to make a good bit of change doing this hobby!

[@robertclarkguitar]

@@HomeGaragechannel I appreciate your videos. You saved me whatever these are valued at.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and I appreciate your time here

[@Farm_fab]

I bought a 20 yo john Deere push mower at the scrap yard, and only needed to clean the carb. Its one of my favorite mowers.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow nice mower!

[@dave1135]

Generally, you want a wider gap on the exhaust valve to allow for expansion. Usually the valves are adjusted to 002-.004 intake and .005-.007 exhaust

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you dave1135 I'll be checking in the next video

[@1djbecker]

Those seems to be the settings from the factory, and it matches this video. The spec most product manuals say is 0.004-0.008 for both, which is a pretty large range. I suggest not modifying the factory setting if only the intake is tight. If you do need to adjust, e.g. after replacing a internal part, set the intake to 0.004 and the exhaust looser, perhaps 0.006.

[@riceburner4747]

I love your analogy/philosophy. I'm that neighbor 7-8am mowing. 😂 I TRY to be considerate but being 70, I use a self propelled &'have to mow before it gets too warm. Besides, they all have riding mowers. 🤓 U must live in/near a wealthy community. The mowers u get are immaculate! I DRIVE a hybrid & NOT an electric car. Wasnt practical for me. Electric mowers ARE better than having to purchase gasoline, draining, etc. But like u, I will (maintain)/keep my Honda until the wheels fall off. I LOVE videos when ppl keep cars,trucks, mowers, & appliances rolling. THAT'S WHAT THEY USED TO DO IN THE "OLDEN" DAYS. Some things u just can't fix. (🖖

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!! yes there a lot of very large and expensive homes all around me... to bad I'm not in one of them, but that's okay since property tax is quite high here.

[@froggy0162]

Those old BS engines are tough. I’ve got the side valves ones. Rescued one from the dump that had water in the petrol tank. Flushed it out with metho, changed the oil, cleaned the air filter and away she went. Sold it for $50 after many more years of service when I moved house!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work!

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

Their loss is your gain. A really well explained video. The manufacturers are replacing more and more parts with plastic, that’s not good long term. Cheers, Stuart 🇦🇺

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct and thank you

[@spencers4121]

I have seen all plastic carbs even the jets, worked on couple few months ago. One did come back after some cleaning, but still surges. The other just needed a replacement carb, as it wouldn't come back.

[@allenh5389]

The ‘unhooked governor linkage’ mention was my cue. I looked under the air filter housing and saw a loose spring. Reattached and started right up. Thanks for your thorough video and explanation

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thank you Allen H.

[@mcgama88]

I am laughing because I watched a Murry plunge to a waste bin last week. I was on a contract dump haul, Washington state and where my wife loves her Murry because of it's light weight and generally reliable start character. I find compressed air to the unit as after generally several hours of use really helps with keeping build up as residue limited from the carb area and to the top recoil starter rope. As with small engines of weed eater, chain saw....clean fuel in clean containers is a key to long life. I did take note of the wheel axel lube as a good bit of service. And the general carb body as replacement on hand might be a service plus to my best shop maint. Thanks for the post as I seem to have jobs friends send to be repaired. Happy to have good advice and views to problems. M.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Mark McGary for your time

[@MUUKOW3]

The white main jet pops right out of those carbs for easier cleaning and there is an idle jet inside. They almost always have water inside. The water get in from the gas cap that has a charcoal canister inside that leaches moisture from the air and drips into the tank.

[@wadeb.5509]

I recently scored an Exmark X series push mower sitting behind a shed. I'm going to wait till next winter to dig in and will need to school up before I do. Thanks for what you do, as I hope to find some helpful information here.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice good luck with it.

[@vhm14u2c]

I have a Murray lawnmower I bought new when I bought my house back in 2000. The chassis rusted out, but the engine is still running well. I did mount engine to a different chassis.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow very Nice work!

[@Willy7212]

It's sad that someone would try to repair it and then just throw it away. Man I need to get to know someone at the dump. Even if it was just the plastic carburetor, those things are so simple to repair or replace on Briggs and Stratton engines. Please Keep posting the great work you do. Cheers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you and I will

[@rross5843]

Before clicking on to the video. I seen the crest of the Briggs and Straton brand. I knew then you would get it running. I found a craftsman. Left for scrap. It runs like new now. It's amazing I did exactly what you are doing in the video and I had no small engine repair experience.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, it means it doesn't require any training to fix these then

[@bodhizafa7125]

Luv curb/dump mowers prob owned by careless/wreckless/ignorant ppl these are the best 4 me free low hrs easy to fix I keep these around till they fall apart then I scrap them for parts or metal value. Unlike most I care about my plant/home I'm trying to be here along time and so should every1 else here.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

well said

[@christophermarshall5765]

Great save.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Christopher Marshall

[@frosthoe]

Ha Ha Ha , I literally JUST FOUND ONE TODAY. identical !!!! I had to do the usual. cleaned out tank, dropped float bowl and cleaned carb, added new air filter, fuel filter (a MUST) and plug. Runs fine now, $50 sign on it in front yard. I still laughing at the timing of your vid and my finding fixing this too...all the way across the USA Thumbed and subscribed bud! Ps, just finished rebuilding a toro i found complete , bad motor. Just put a 10hp+ cammed 4500rpm gov'd ohv Briggs on it, this sucker is unstoppable now. I was cutting 18" field grass and it just rides on top of the blob of grass goo as it clogs the shute. it wont stop for anything lolz!!!! just leaves a minced slime of grass turds behind it . The GRASSINNATOR 10+HP I had to cut a larger shute, that toro cast aluminum deck is tough!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you R.O.B. I appreciate it. That mower you fixed sounds like a beast!

[@butler386]

To answer your question I am sure I have forgotten to replace all the parts I removed from a mower. But I do so little of this and considering my age I probably have forgotten most of those situations. Great looking and sounding mower. Fantastic job and thanks for the videos.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's the best answer I've heard so far! Thank you D Butler!

[@leechburglights]

THAT IS MY EXACT MOWER. Purchased 5 years ago at Walmart for $190, it replace my broken Craftsman that was 11 years old and couldn't be fixed. I ordered a new carb for it and my neighbor didn't know he had to replace the O-ring and retainer inside (that was shown in this video). Showed him the video of what he missed and then 1-start pull to show it worked great! Just changed the oil and greased up the wheels. Touched up the black paint on the handles so it won't rust. Oh, and I gave it a new blade since the other was quite gnarly haha. As long as I keep the carb clean and the jets clear, this engine can run for 20+ years.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow nice work and I agree with you

[@chiappettamark]

Thar OHV Briggs burns/blows out the Headgasket under the exhaust port. I got cheap and cut an unclamped portion of the headgasket and puzzle-patched the burn hole. Still works.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice fix

[@choppergirl]

I remember that Murray mower, it was mine. What had happened was, I ordered a new carb for it, but while waiting for it to arrive from China, I tried cleaning the old one out with Oreilly's carb spray. Shooting some carb cleaner through one of those jet openings, it curled back on me and and just the tiniest spray splatter drops hit me in the eyes. I mean they were literally minute, we're not talking a full water drop... we're more closer to mist size. I tried to run for bathroom to splay water in my eyes but it was too late... like literally within 5 seconds my vision went blurry and my eyes felt gummy. One eye was really bad, and the other not so much so... but over the next 9 months I could tell every morning I woke up, they were worstening. It's not like those solvents were leaving my eyes. I could see, but I couldn't see... it was like looking through a frosted car window or fogged up shower door. As far as the mower was concerned, I still had grass to mow, so I put the new carb on but must of not seen the idle arm or those O rings. I mean I was literally working by feel at that point. If I held out my hands, depending on how contrasty the background was, I may or may not have been able to count my fingers, if that gives you an idea. I threw out the G.D. cursed mower and wanted nothing more to do with it. I was blind for 5 years, and spent that time editing KZbin videos as I could still read a computer screen in high contrast mode up close, and also spent a lot of time learning quadcopter aerobatics in a simulator. As long as I could make out a horizon, I actually could fly like a boss... with a 42" flatscreen TV and my face right up to it 2 feet away. I was finally able to get surgery on one eye at the end of last year, and the other eye this year, through a long beaureucratic process and can see 20/70 again, or 20/20 with glasses. It was amazing to see colors again. I cried when I could see colors again, they were so kodachrome dayglo florescent beautiful after not having seen colors for so long. I had become super sensitive to them. I'm now back to driving motorcycles and... mowing. I bought a new mower and a new motorcycle once I could see again. So yeah, now you know the rest of the story. This poorly designed mower made me blind. If the jets had never got clogged, I never would of had to try and fix it with a molotov coctail of highly corrosive solvents in a spray can. It don't take much of carb cleaner in your eyes to make you go blind. Literally, the tinoest of droplets. Throw that shlt away and get it out of your toolbox, it's the most dangerous thing you own. A rattlesnake in your shop. Instead of it getting crushed or thrown into a land fill, you've now fixed it and released it back in the wild to hurt someone else. Good job...

[@joeortiz3455]

Thays so odd you mentioned seeing more of these machines I picked up4 yesterday and 3 today so far a bath and a little maintaince so far 2 of 7 up and running even picked one up that has a key start hoping to get it running for my sister, thank you for the videos and always responding back

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thank you for watching Joe Ortiz

[@sf10231016]

I’m appreciative that you made the video I just watched, I got a better idea of what my next action might be based on what you showed me!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice and thank you

[@Mikelp73]

My mower kind of isn’t the best but you have inspired me to at least changes the oil and change the mulching blade for something better😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice, I'm glad to see you're trying which is great!

[@WalterKnox]

I live out in the county where there is no trash pickup (unless you pay an arm and a leg), so I have to haul my own trash to the dump. I always see a lot of old mowers and equipment (and electronics, I restore vintage electronics) that I know I could get going again, but sadly the people who work there watch everyone like a hawk, and they are VERY opposed to anyone saving anything.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow, that's a real shame.

[@mjg263]

Our local dump is exactly the same way, they’ll even go so far as to call the police on you if you try to save anything from the place. I restore mowers and vintage electronics too, and it breaks my heart to see a nice Toro mower or a TEAC reel to reel tape deck or Pioneer receiver sitting there waiting to be rescued and knowing I can’t do anything about it. Where my sister lives up near Boston they have a “free-cycle” table at the local dump where they actually encourage you to leave things for other people to take instead of throwing them out.

[@mattheweburns]

When I find these on the side of the road, all they need is fresh gas, and a shot of carb cleaner. They fire right up every time.

[@keithlibner9259]

My brother garbage picked an almost identical mower and gave it to me as mine was almost 20 years old. It didn't have an air filter or cover so I assumed it was a display model bought super cheap. I changed the plug and it started on the first pull. I cut my grass and it worked fine. The nest time I used it the machine quit working after 5 minutes. I thought aha, it must be defective. I checked the valve back lash and it was perfect. I puled the plug and there was a piece of grass across the electrode. I cleaned it off and it started right up. I bought an air cleaner the next day. The date of manufacture was only 6 months prior.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work

[@tomsherwood4650]

I got a Poulon push mower that was assembled at Ace Hardware. The handles have never been right and move up and down because something seems to be missing. Never could get them tight for long. Both front wheels eventually broke off the thin steel body. I remounted them with washers to reinforce it. The thing is, it has a good Briggs motor that runs great but all the Poulon part of the mower is total junk. I only keep it because I don't have the money and it is light and easy to push compared to expensive mowers. I have to push uphill alot. I once had a Sears Craftsman mower I bought new and it ran fine for over 20 years and still going when I gave it away. For a new Craftsman that ran for one season and weighed a ton.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow at least you were able to keep using it.

[@gregoryeverett9811]

I have a Murray mower that is starting it's 25th season. It hase a 6hp Briggs and Straton engine and I take it to the local Ace hardware every other year for a compleet tune up. I have a fairly small yard so it doesn't take but about a half hour to mow the whole thing. It isn't self propeled. The first time I used it this spring, it started on the first pull after sitting all winter. I do put fule stabilizer in my gas every time I refill my 1 gal gas can.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice, you're doing a fantastic job of caring for it!

[@robalexander7348]

Thank you for this handy B & S advise, and good viewing from over here Down Under 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Rob Alexander and Hello Australia!

[@JTech625]

I think a lot of small engines are usually fixable our 20 year old toro sat in the garage with the engine taken apart for a whole winter after starting to fix it in the fall and putting off finishing it, put a new head gasket on and replaced the carb and its running as well as it ever had.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct and Nice work!

[@demcomp]

Customer picking up a Craftsman Bagger with a Honda engine.. I said it starts, first pull.. Imagine how embarrassed I was when it didn't start, and how relieved to see I had forgot to reinstall the spark plug wire 🤣🤣 Felt good when reconnected it and it fired off first pull .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow that was quite embarrassing for sure

[@rickthelian2215]

Nice repair, yes lubrication on wheels is good idea.😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Rick Thelian!

[@TejasToolMan]

they make great back up generators too using old car alternator & cheap converter

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes they do and I've got a GM alternator waiting for the job.

[@philwood9760]

I just gave away my 30 year old Murray riding mower. It still ran.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that was nice of you

[@nathancaruthers1720]

Morning y'all

[@chemicalcastration4480]

Never seen or heard of your channel before but now that I have, I’m sad both that I’ve never seen your work before and that you don’t have a million subscribers yet!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the kind comment , I really appreciate it.

[@ronaldbrown5745]

To some people fixing the mower would be like working on the space shuttle. Labor cost at repair shops is scary!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true

[@cantgetright742]

When I have to fix my clothes dryer I forget to hook up a connector pretty much every time. This is exactly the Murray mower I was talkin about on some other video. It used to be my main mower but now it just kinda makes sure the shed don’t fly away I guess.

[@jimmyday9536]

Many people don't drain the fuel before winter storage, and the ethanol (alcohol) in gasoline attracts moisture and the carb gets ruined. These plastic carbs are only $25 and that's probably what they did, replace the carburetor, put in fresh fuel, and when it STILL didn't start, said screw it. LOL. Glad you rescued it! BTW, be sure to sharpen that blade☺️

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Jimmy Day, and you are correct. Yes I sharpened it.

[@hellhound1389]

Worked for a neighbor with a repair shop and a customer brought in a Briggs with the early plastic carb on tank model. It needed a new carb when it backfired and melted the carb. We used tell people that these Briggs engines are the best but their carbs are a joke. Our advice was buy a new mower because the price of the parts and labor were more than the cost of a new one. It's the same reason we hated working on John Deeres because their quality was at best equal to everyone else with 3 times the cost. My area of expertise was building high power go-kart engines. I would start with a Briggs and put a tecumseh or kohler carb on it

[@NorthlanderMN]

My neighbor gave me this exact mower. In the carburetor I found very small pieces of black plastic from manufacturing on the assembly line. Poor quality control imo. The carburetor was blocked. This is the most easy to fix carburetor. I could do one of these carburetor’s in under 15 minutes and that taking the carburetor apart to replace plastic parts in the carburetor. The parts are cheap. Most people could not fix these carburetors even though these don’t need adjusting. In the fuel line I installed a 75 micron Briggs fuel filter. To prevent the carburetor from getting clogged again.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for sharing that 60 Gunner

[@lordvonfirecat3486]

I’ve recently sold a lot of my mowers I’ve kept in winter storage as no one wants to buy a mower during winter… But I’ve managed to make a big profit to where I can finally order new parts and the expensive bagger for my main mower I use! Also loving these videos! I enjoy seeing others revive machines like these, awesome work 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you LordVonFireCat, I appreciate that

[@gordbaker896]

Too bad you didn't get the Bag and Diverter. Nicely Done.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you are correct, that would have been nice if I had, thank you Gord Baker

[@bbaaspencer1]

I find mowers and you wouldn’t believe what was wrong with the last 2? The last 2 owners forgot to put gas in them! Runs like a champ!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow nice

[@franciscocruzjr5721]

Yes. Now that I'm a senior I have to take pictures of any Tool/motor I disassemble.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely understand it just makes sense

[@matthewpiper1421]

Another excellent save👍👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Matthew Piper

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

Another great find. Man I wish it were that easygoing all the time

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too, I take them as they come!

[@TheJkilla11]

Awesome video there have been times that I have missed a tiny thing because it could be easy when you're working with a bunch of parts, I usually take it back apart find the issue put it back together and it's good to go.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you would be correct, and I appreciate your time Justin Brown

[@olgreywolf9688]

ROFL .... welll ....guess I'm gonna be rich ... I must have about a dozen of these push mowers .... basically, collected almost by accident .... most from elderly (I'm very elderly myself!!) ladies who couldn't or wouldn't 'hand mow' their yards longer. ALL the engines will turn over, A couple are seriously still shiny, almost new. After seeing your vid ... maybe I'll get out in the barnyard and attempt to get them back running. Only problem is or may be, parts. Thank you for your work and the video. "Inspiring"!! LOL Thanks.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you ol' greywolf

[@stevesterling6514]

For future repairs! The jet that you cleaned out. The whole cartridge is removable from the carb to get a good deep clean on all the jets! Just an FYI!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes it is, thank you Steve S.!

[@Daniel-lk3sy]

I found a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower it was running for a little while now two years later it's having a firing backwards problem basically pulling the cord out of your hand when you prime it pull and it pulls the cord out of your hand I'm suspecting it's a flywheel key I'm hopefully be able to take care of it on Wednesday or Thursday at the latest waiting for my packet flywheel keys to get here

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes If it happens with fuel in the engine or carb, then flywheel, but if the engine has no gasoline in the carb, or tank and it happens, it means the valve lash is off.

[@bamboosho0t]

We gave up on Murray lawnmowers back in 1989 after 2 in 4 years. It never ran right and constantly broke. We bought a Toro in '90 and it lasted until my parents moved in 2006.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice

[@gypsydildopunks7083]

My girlfriend at the time bought the cheapest mower at Walmart 11-12 years ago, it's a Murray. If you burn the gas out before winter, spray carb cleaner in the partially taken apart carb. It will always run. It is still running perfectly

[@HomeGaragechannel]

agreed

[@ethanmiller3935]

Yes l have and it didnt take long for me to realize that... Go to start it and its a no go.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it happens to us all.

[@ethanmiller3935]

Amen!

[@tomsherwood4650]

BTW that old Sears mower I bought in ca. 1990 would start first or second pull every spring. On others I end up using starter fluid to get them going at first. Yea I put Sta Bil in the tanks too. Another thing that helped once was something called Mechanic in a Bottle. That cleaned out the fuel system and carb once on a mower that was not wanting to keep going. Worth a try as I don't care to be a pro engine mechanic.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I heard about the mechanic in a bottle interesting stuff

[@davemoyer505]

Good video👍🇺🇸❤️

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks 👍

[@WJCTechyman]

Governor linkages are definitely something I miss sometimes and it's been a surprise when it just idles or it races out of control. I usually shut it down before it goes too far on the latter. I don't understand why people don't bother to repair things anymore, even this cheap Briggs powered unit. I find it interesting that a litre or two of fuel costs $10 where you are as it is about CA$1.50 per litre where I am. For those who live South of the Canadian border or West of The Yukon Territory, that's roughly CA$6 per gallon. Of course that's regular E10 gasoline, which is what I use with no hiccups. Of course I use it up pretty quickly as I mow lawns for a source of income.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you WJCTechyman, and the $10 comment was meant as satire for the high price of gasoline, gasoline here is $3/gal

[@ngnmech]

You asked while people don't bother to repair their mowers even cheap mowers. And the reason is most people don't have the knowledge or tools to do it themselves. And depending on mower shop repair rates that simple R & R carb has a flat labor rate of .75 hours which translates to $50-80 for a rebranded MTD mower licensed by Briggs to sell under the Murray name for $169-189 from Walmart.

[@Turningwrenches85]

Crazy what you find at the dump but find out more why it was there especially that linkage and the extra o rings there

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right it was weird

[@SleepLevelLow]

love to see old iron put back to work

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you and me both!

[@dprrn]

I have had a couple of similar carbed engines get water in the fuel. was just the smallest amount and that would make it run for just a second and stall. Ended up using an unlit propane torch to feed it some fuel to let it draw the water through till it smoothed out. Honestly surprised the plastic carb lasted this long.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Nice job, I've never gotten the propane torch to work because of air and fuel ratios

[@dprrn]

@@HomeGaragechannel I forgot to add, I wouldn't say it completely fueled the engine more so it helped it just get past the spots of water. I might try this again without any gas in it to see if it could run it. It's definitely my go to for getting poor fuel cleared out without taking the bowl off.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

oh I see, thanks for the clarification

[@j81851]

Excellent detective work. Subed first time! Love your videos!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you John Goodman I appreciate it

[@tonymaiettasr.7340]

Great find. Nice video. Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thank you Tony Maietta, Sr.

[@StevenEverett7]

When I'm working on a piece of equipment I try to keep everything together. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for me to be asking myself "gee, where did this screw (or nut or other doohickey) come from"?😒😒😒

[@HomeGaragechannel]

LOL!! it's happened to use all.

[@2packs4sure]

On those plastic carbed Briggs and Stratton like that I like to put one of those little screens in the fuel line even though there's almost no room for it,, so the little stuff won't get in there and cause problems...

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that makes sense

[@duanefuller5419]

Had a guy that took his mower to a small engine service to have something done and he brought it back home and it wouldn't start he had me look at it. It turned out they forgot to hook the choke linkage back 😂😂

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I can see that happening!

[@ZoruaZorroark]

the murray mower we had for decades took so much abuse with little maintenance

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes they can definitely take it.

[@TheWaterman1000]

I have a yard machine and the last time it was started there was a clacking and then went away when the mowers rpm went up. I checked the rocker arms and readjusted them to specks. My problem is the valve rockers come loose when I hand rotate the engine to check the setting. The rods aren't bent and no matter how many times I make the adjustment the rockers come loose. The screw and nut are tight when set. Wonder if the rockers are bad? Short of pulling the head to check the valves? Good video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

my only advice is to make sure the pushrod is seated in the tappet, it's easy to miss them and put them next to the tappet, instead of that little cup.

[@TheWaterman1000]

I forgot to mention that. I was careful to make sure the rod where seated right.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the information

[@Emanual0607]

Awesome!!!!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks

[@Emanual0607]

@@HomeGaragechannel You’re welcome.

[@gerrypetty1272]

I have only purchased 2 lawnmowers since 1984. Both were and are Murrays. Still have my Murray Select and it runs as good as new. Won't buy any other.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow very nice!

[@kevinfloyd808]

I'm at beginning so I'm sure it's cleared up later, but you said the clean oil could only mean it's been well taken care of.another option I've seen several time is they blew it up, from no oil or overrev, then changed oil in a futile effort to save..just a warning to people shopping not to always assume brand new oil means all is well. Looking at a used not ru.ning mower I am more comfortable seeing decent but not unran, oil on the stick

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you make a good point!

[@liljoeii6091]

Awesome save thank you for the video

[@HomeGaragechannel]

anytime Lil Joe II

[@kargo27]

EASY FIX for me for this 550EX engine that won't start after sitting through winter. I have a very similar Snapper mower like this one except that it's self propelled. Occasionally, I'll forget to drain the gas and put it away for the winter. When I take it back out and remember I didn't drain it, and it's hard to start, I've discovered "Mechanic In A Bottle" at Walmart. Drain your bad gas, pour in a little Mechanic In a Bottle, fill up the rest of the tank with good gas, let it sit for about 5-15 minutes and it will sputter to life and then run strong. I've never even drained the carb bowl and I've yet to have to pull the carb off. It's the best $5 you'll spend! PS - I do use Stabil fuel stabilizer as well, so maybe that's why the Mechanic in a Bottle works so well.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

if it works for you, use it, I however don't like it nor do I recommend it.

[@kargo27]

@@HomeGaragechannel fair enough but can you say why you don’t care for it? I don’t claim to know everything about it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's a product sold to consumers in hopes that it will work on their small engine, but some issues are much too far gone to be fixed by a single solution. It's like selling a pill that will cure your mild headache, but the problem you're having might be a case of dehydration, which is not going to be fixed but a pill.

[@kargo27]

@@HomeGaragechannel agreed! I think for a slightly clogged main jet it works by dissolving the varnish, but if it was a nasty, varnish clogged carb with water in it, etc., a good going through is in order.

[@OldBeaterGarage]

I've put one of these through severe service for like 9 years. These things are easy to keep going. Don't toss 'em.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you got that right, keep the oil changed, sharpen the blade and use good fuel, these won't let you down.

[@kpdvw]

prior to you messing with the wheels on the Mystery Mower...I would have liked to see a check for spark....

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I can do that.

[@deplorablecovfefe9489]

its always sticky floats/ clogged jets on mowers. my mower actually leaks all gas out of it after every use. I would fix it but that has kept it running like new for 20 yrs. Its never "stored" with gas in it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

really? wow that's amazing, does the fuel not leak into the engine? Or does It just spill onto the deck?

[@deplorablecovfefe9489]

@@HomeGaragechannel leaks from the float bowl onto the deck. Garage smells like gas for a day, I try to only gas it up just enough to do the job, basic "Briggs and Straton" style motor, but year after year it starts on first pull. Having all the gas drain after every use keeps it new. deck rusted out completely once already, found a mower, little bigger, same brand, getting tossed out, put my motor on that one, getting a whole second life out of it and its like new again. I was not going to throw out that great ever lasting motor just because the deck rusted out...lol

[@mattheweburns]

That’s crazy maybe some folks can buy a carburetor but don’t know how to replace it or watch a KZbin video lol it’s not like rebuilding a four barrel… But yeah that’s a great easy fix for a mower that would probably cost $200 or more new This happens too many small engines, especially weedeaters and push mowers, riding mowers… Think of all the emissions created to build these engines and manufacture them? That alone means savings to me to put it to good use especially for emergencies it’s always the right thing to do.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true

[@jesterr7133]

I manage to forget something nearly every time because I always get in too much of a hurry. I can't even count the number of times I have forgotten to reconnect the breather tube on a Honda engine.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's happened to me before too, easy to do

[@dundeeecroc]

I want my mower back! lol jk .... good job!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

ah thanks !

[@TomNimitz]

After seeing the knobs on the handle, I was half expecting that the problem was going to be something else the dog chewed on.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I noticed that too.

[@derekwhidden9730]

As far as the governor linkage not being connected I submit the following possibility. With the valves being the way they were I suspect the engine had low compression. You didn't do a compression test, or at least didn't share that you did, but I suspect it was the case. So here is the scenario. The original owner took the mower to a shop and complained it would not start. Most mechanics will check the very simple things and most likely causes first. Spark, water in the bowl... failing these they did a compression test since it's easier than checking the valves. They found the compression low, and dropped and told the customer what they found... "Hey maybe it's the valves, or maybe the cylinder is wiped out, but I've already got a half hour into this..." Now, time is money. Our shop charges $100 an hour, and that actually makes repairs like this much more difficult for the customer to swallow. I can remember when threw entire lawnmower cost $100. It wasn't all that long ago. A previous boss used to call it the $99 mower because everyone sold one like that. So, the customer denying permission to go any further, told them he'd pay the half hour, or told them to keep it. Either way it got thrown back together as quickly as possible, because either way it's destined to get melted down.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it's a very good possibility, and no, I didn't bother with a compression test since it started and ran after connecting the linkage

[@JAYJAYJAY53]

Already seen these at the local trash station. What’s worse I have one in my basement.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes it's getting to that point, Also are you going to try and fix that one you have